Another Bovine TB Case Confirmed in California

State and federal animal health officials have confirmed the detection of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a dairy herd in Tulare County. Officials are working closely with the dairy farmer and his veterinarian to implement control strategies to eradicate the disease. This is the fourth bovine TB case in California since 2011.

The diagnosis of TB was made after a suspicious mass was detected in a cow during routine slaughter inspection. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) veterinarians, in coordination with their counterparts at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), began testing herds that may have come into contact with the diagnosed cow, and that work led to the detection of TB in the Tulare County herd. The investigation into the possible spread of this gradually debilitating disease is ongoing.

Bovine tuberculosis does not threaten the quality and safety of milk and meat products in California. Almost all milk sold in California is pasteurized to destroy organisms that could be harmful to humans, including TB organisms. The state’s raw milk dairies are regularly tested for TB. All cattle processed for meat are inspected for signs of TB infection and rejected if they show signs of the disease.

Tuberculosis is a chronic, slow-spreading disease that can remain undetected for years. Infected animals, even those that appear healthy, can spread infection to other animals. The State of California has been involved in TB eradication programs since 1917.

To assist in the eradication of bovine tuberculosis, farmers and ranchers should adhere to animal import regulations, require TB testing of new cattle before purchase, maintain permanent identification of animals, keep records of animal movements into and out of their herd, prevent contact of breeding cattle with cattle of unknown origin, and cooperate with government officials on TB investigations.